Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

got in trouble for providing to minors

We had a party where I let my little brother and his friend come hang out, they are 19 and 20 respectively. Long story short, the 19 year old was messing around the neighbors house and got the cops called. I got a citation for providing to minors because I was the only one who went outside to talk to the officers. I said it was my house when it wasn't so they wouldnt come inside the house to get the owner or possibly find more underage people and give more citations to the other overage people. My brother and his friend received MIP's and were taken to jail overnight. I was extremely compliant with the officer, so they just wrote me a citation. I have a court date on Thursday of this week and really have no idea what to say or what to do when it comes to gettting a lawyer. I have never been in trouble with the law before and am new to this situation. Any advice you can give me I would greatly appreciate. The court date on Thursday is an arraignment, where I think I just plead guilty or not guilty. I am just not sure what to do and need some advice please. Thank you


Asked on 2/05/07, 5:17 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
James J. White, attorney Law Offices of Smith & White, PLLC

Re: got in trouble for providing to minors

Somehow I missed your question earlier in the week. I hope this advice isn't coming to you too late as you have court today. Assuming you haven't had previous trouble with the law you have nothing to worry about. The charge is very minor (no pun intended) and the judge will not put you in jail or impose a bail based on the facts that you told me. So, enter a plea of not guilty until you get an opportunity to talk to a lawyer about your options. You will likely get a plea offer that is very easy but you might not want to take it as it sounds like you have a case that will be easy to win. Contact me directly with the results from court today. Which court is it?

At your service,

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Answered on 2/08/07, 2:05 pm


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